Cornerstones: August activity
If you're after a dose of motivation this summer, we've got prize reminders, an article from one of our recently-published editors, and a behind the scenes of our course open day...
Dear all,
Happy August! We hope you’re enjoying the summer weather and looking forward to the bank holiday at the end of the month. We’ve had a busy time so far with some exciting things to fill you in on. Read on for more!
Behind the scenes at Cornerstones HQ
Earlier this month, we hosted our third virtual Edit Your Novel open day, featuring a roundtable with guest speakers Misha Hussain, Rachel Hamilton, and Mónica Parle, who are all alumni of our flagship editing course. We really loved everyone’s insights – if you missed out on the day, do feel free to email us for a recording of the event.
Our next course starts 19 September 2022, and there are limited spaces available. Apply here.
New in on the blog
Looking to bring out the best in your novel? Seasoned editor, Frances M, gives her best tips in this month’s article.
The first question I always ask when approaching an idea for a new novel is: What’s the story? The first part of the writing process, for me, is finding the story you want to tell and distilling this idea until it is crystal clear. You might find answering the following questions helpful: What makes your story unique? Why do you feel passionate about the subject matter you have chosen? Who are the characters? Where is the novel set? After you have answered these questions, you may then want to go one step further: writing a synopsis, plotting out the novel in bullet points or giving a full chapter by chapter breakdown and writing character sketches.
Frances Moloney’s debut novel for middle grade readers, The Mystery of the Missing Mum, was published on 4th August 2022 by Pushkin Children’s Books. We went to her book launch and had a great time celebrating!
August & September prize roundup 🚨
Over the next few months, we’ll be sending out a list of soon-to-expire competitions that you might want to submit to. For the rest of August and September, the list is as follows (short story writers, lots of opportunities here!):
Royal Society of Literature Matters Awards
For: New, original writing or literary activity
Deadline: 24 Aug
#Merky Books New Writers' Prize
For: Unpublished authors aged 16-30
Deadline: 10 Sep
Royal Society of Literature V. S. Pritchett Short Story Prize
For: Unpublished short stories
Deadline: 16 Sep
The Faber/Observer/Comica Graphic Short Story Prize
For: Graphic short story
Deadline: 16 Sep
For: Unagented authors writing a memoir (WIPs accepted)
Deadline: 30 Sep
Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition 2022
For: Short stories up to 3k words
Deadline: 30 Sep
As always, if you have any questions for us on the writing, editing, or submissions process, do get in touch. We’re always happy to help!
Very best,
The Cornerstones Team
☕️ P.S. This month’s Editing Café will take place on Friday 26 August, from 12-2pm. If you’re looking for a relaxed virtual space to work on your writing and editing, please do join! Bring a cup of tea, come and go as you please. Email Sarah Conkerton to join the mailing list.